What will the stock market do in 2026? It's not just about AI.

As 2025 comes to an end, the economy seems stable, the S&P 500 is up more than 15% so far this year, and inflation is relatively tame. Yet Americans have the kind of gloomy views about inflation, politics, and the job market that are normally only seen during recessions. It’s a good reminder that there can be a disconnect between the big picture and individual American wallets. But with most strategists forecasting more of the same for 2026, it’s also an opportunity to dig into the large-scale drivers of ...